Since its unveiling in January and launch in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been one of the hottest picks for approximately 20 million gamers across the world. And now the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch Online service is all set to make its entrance in the second half of this September. The release of Nintendo Switch Online has been in talks for a long time. The gaming giant has been working on its online services since Switch made its way into the market in the early months of 2017.

The online subscription service is a first for Nintendo, giving it a competitive edge against major rivals like Sony and Microsoft, which already have premium online services for their flagship gaming consoles. This paid service could help overcome Nintendo’s significant shortcomings including the inability to save games on the cloud and lack of voice chats.

Features of Nintendo Switch Online

Cloud backup
One of the most prominent features of Nintendo Switch Online is the cloud backup. International gaming brands, particularly PlayStation and Xbox have had their cloud storage services for quite a while, giving them an upper hand. Introducing cloud storage, therefore, has been one of the top priorities of Nintendo’s online service. This much-requested feature is imperative as backed-up data on Nintendo servers facilitates easy access in case the data the lost. Furthermore, cloud storage comes in handy if the users want to get an additional or new Switch system. Unfortunately, not every Nintendo Switch game will support cloud backup.

Online Play
Once the Switch Online services are launched, users will need a membership to gain access for multiple-player modes and additional competitive features for some existing and upcoming games such as ARMS, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Tennis Aces, Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido, and Splatoon 2. This is also applicable to some third-party games on Nintendo such as Diablo 3: The Eternal Collection. The Nintendo games that will be requiring a subscription plan have attached a disclaimer to their respective pages to notify users. At the moment, games such as Fortnite and Paladins have not made any such announcement on their page, so it is more likely for them to be free for all users in the future.

Voice chat
Games like Fortnite are equipped with an in-built voice chat feature. Though, this is not the case for every Nintendo game. Although, now the Switch Online will also comprise a voice chat option like its counterparts PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live. However, there’s a little hiccup. Both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live have a standard built-in voice chat feature. On the other hand, for using the voice chat option rendered by Switch Online, players will have to download Nintendo Switch Online app (available on Android and iOS). In simple words, gamers will be expected to use two separate devices, i.e., one to play and one to communicate with fellow players online.

The Switch Online app also has an online lounge which allows the gamers to send out invitations using the Nintendo Switch system’s friend list. Similarly, the app enables the users to send invites using messaging services and social media platforms.

Classic NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) games
Gamers who have subscribed to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live acquire access to free games every month. Likewise, Nintendo Switch Online members will now also get to enjoy similar rewards. However, there is a catch. The Switch Online users will get access to older games rather than the new ones.

When Nintendo Switch Online opens for its members, they will get access to 20 classic NES games. Moreover, these classic titles will offer an added online play, so the users don’t have to agonize over having a second player in the same room as theirs. Out of the 20, Nintendo has only revealed the names of 10 games. The following are some of the titles announced by Nintendo.

• Soccer
• Tennis
• Donkey Kong™
• Mario Bros.™
• Super Mario Bros.™
• Super Mario Bros.™ 3
• Dr. Mario™
• Balloon Fight™
• Ice Climber™
• The Legend of Zelda™

Subscription plans for Nintendo Switch Online users
Nintendo has come up with two sets of memberships, i.e., individual and family. The pricing details are as follows –

Individual membership

• 1 month – $3.99
• 3 months – $7.99
• 12 months – $19.99

Family membership

• 12 months – $34.99

Up to 8 Nintendo account holders with a family subscription will be allowed to use the Nintendo Switch Online services. Moreover, these services can be availed of using different devices.

The best part about Nintendo’s subscription plans is that they are pretty affordable and designed for all types of users. As compared to Sony’s and Microsoft’s annual membership which costs approximately $60, the yearly plan offered by Nintendo Switch is way cheaper.

When the online subscription service is introduced, users can purchase the subscription plans via Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop. Likewise, users can pre-order three-month and annual individual subscriptions from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Game Stop.